Preface

Understanding the essentials of hand surgery as well as the complexity of the mechanisms of injury and the specific reconstructive goals is mandatory for every hand specialist involved in this passionate area. The objective of this book is to update hand specialists on the diagno‐ sis and treatment of some of the most common pathologies affecting the hand and also to provide new insights and recent advances in this field. We have gathered a group of clini‐ cians and scientists with a large experience in hand surgery. This book is divided into two sections. Section 1 is called "Basic Principles," and it includes two chapters. In Chapter 1, we discuss the importance of hand surgery and the diagnostic methods, such as how to plan our operation, special considerations during surgery, and post-operative care. In Chapter 2, Dr. Harsha and collaborators reviewed the techniques for regional anesthesia in hand surgery. Section 2 is called "Reconstructive Hand Surgery," and it includes five chapters. In Chapter 1, Dr. Justin and collaborators reviewed the anatomy of flexor tendons, the diagnostic process of flexor tendon injuries, and their treatments. In Chapter 2, Dr. Benavides and collaborators reviewed the diagnosis and current treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. In Chapter 3, Dr. Jeremiah and collaborators reviewed the pathophysiology in Dupuytren's disease as well as the different treatment options we have and future trends in this area. Finally, in Chapters 4 and 5, Dr. Roohi and collaborators reviewed crush injuries of the hand, establishing interest‐ ing options for the treatment of these injuries with difficult cases being solved excellently.

I dedicate this work to my family—mom, dad, sister, and my fiancée. They are the greatest pillars I have in my life and the ones that have made me what I am now, a responsible, hon‐ est, thirsty-for-knowledge man, who never gives up on anything, thank you for your sup‐ port and for being a source of inspiration. I would also like to thank my mentors and colleagues for pushing me very hard day by day to achieve my goals. Last but not least, I would like to thank my patients because without them none of this would have been possi‐ ble. Thank you all very much.

#### **Dr. Alexandro Aguilera Salgado**

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Chief of Hand and Peripheral Nerve Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery National Institute of Pediatrics Mexico City, Mexico

**Section 1**

**Basic Principles**

**Section 1**
